The new interim director of the Fayette County Health Department has approximately 48 years of experience in the medical field. And we owe much of that time to Dr. Steve Davis, including 17 years of public health work in state government. The Fayette County Health Department is seeking a permanent commissioner starting in the spring of 2023. Davis said doctors’ interest in specialty care complicates the process.
“There’s a growing number of people who want to break out of the specialized world and really look at community-wide efforts to move the needle. There doesn’t seem to be as much of it now as there was in the past.” said Davis.
Dr. Davis sees his role as providing continuity and steadying the ship. Davis expects to find a permanent member within the next few months.
Mr. Davis said pressing public health issues include addressing chronic disease and drug use.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge behavioral health. That’s why I say health is more than stitching up a six-inch gash in your arm. That’s a very wide angle.” Davis said.
Mr. Davis is the medical director of the Fayette Health Department. He said moving the health needle requires multiple partners. Davis noted that he is looking for the right person to serve as a permanent commissioner to lead the department for decades to come.
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